In its fifth year, the Albany Arts Fest is branching out, making it even more enticing for visitors to travel to Kempton on Oct. 18 to view the work of area artists.

For the first time, visitors will be able to take the WK&S Railroad to the Albany Historical Society to view the work of 10 local artists, up close and personal.

Ron Imboden, the festival’s OG, issued the invitation.

“I approached Linda Hartman at the WK&S Railroad to arrange for train stops at the show,” he said. “It turned out that she thought the stops would fit into the railroad’s Pumpkin Patch Express planned for Oct. 18.”

Three trips are scheduled for that Saturday.

According to Imboden, “Passengers will be able to stop at the show on the return trip from Wanamaker’s Store.”

As in the past, visitors may also drive to the Albany Historical Society which has become home for the Arts Fest.

When Imboden first conceived the festival, he wanted to showcase a range of artists living and working in and around Kempton.

“I wanted to create a fall show that would feature most of the local artists in the area,” he said.

“Friend and potter Mark Amey and I decided to have the Albany Township Historical Society host the event,” he continued. “The location afforded us a central venue for the show.”

Over the years the fest has grown to host 10 artists.

Joining Imboden with his watercolors are Mark Amey (stoneware pottery), Jenne Stock (pastel painting), Rose Fritch (handmade jewelry), Luke Voytas (turned woodwork), Kris Amey (woven textiles), David Fegley (wrapped jewelry), Joe Walker (wildlife carving), Jake Crawford (oil painting) and Gene Allen (acrylic painting).

Likely inspired by the spirit of Halloween, Allen, primarily a landscape artist, is adding a few seasonally inspired pieces to the display of his more serious work.

“I’m just [including] some Halloween fantasy,” he said. “They’re whimsical, just for fun.”

“I used acrylics and pieces of candy wrappers,” he continued. “The candy wrappers look like stars twinkling in the night. It’s just [a bit of] fun.”

All the work is available for purchase and with the holidays in view, patrons may want an original piece for gift giving or for themselves.

Those venturing out to Kempton on Oct. 18 can visit a trifecta of unique events.

“I chose Oct. 18 to take advantage of other events taking place that day, namely the Wood Workers Fair at Bailey’s Sawmill and an antique show at the Kempton Community Center,” Imboden said.

The fest runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Albany Township Historical Society is located at 404 Old Philly Pike in Kempton.